Alopecia Areata: Patches of Hair Loss, Causes & Support in Sussex
Summary
Alopecia Areata causes patches of hair loss on the scalp. This can sometimes cause loss of the eyebrows, eyelashes, beard or body hair. It can affect men, women and children of any age. Some people remember stress, illness or another health change before the loss, while many have no clear trigger. It is not contagious.
Because the follicles are not scarred, regrowth is possible, although the course can be unpredictable. At Shuna Hammocks Trichology in Forest Row, I take a careful history, examine the hair and scalp with magnification or dermoscopy, and review medical and mental health factors in order to diagnose and differentiate from other hair loss conditions that can look similar.
Finding a patch of hair loss can be alarming, particularly when it seems to have appeared without warning. You may notice it while washing or styling your hair, or a hairdresser, partner or family member may see it first. The discovery can quickly lead to worry about whether the patch will enlarge, whether another will appear and whether the hair will return.
I have supported adults, teenagers and children with Alopecia Areata throughout more than 26 years in clinical practice. The visible pattern may look similar from one person to another, but the experience is never identical. My approach is therefore not based on the patch alone. I listen to the history around it, examine the scalp carefully and listen deeply to the experience of the sufferer.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia Areata is a non-scarring autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly targets the hair follicles and interrupts normal hair production. The follicles remain present, which is why regrowth can occur, but hair production may pause while the condition is active. The exact reason this immune response begins is still not fully understood.
The condition often starts with one or more smooth, round or oval patches that develop over days or weeks. The exposed skin usually looks normal rather than scarred. Some people notice tingling, itching or tenderness before the hair sheds, while others feel nothing.
Short broken hairs may appear around the edge of an active patch. These are sometimes called “exclamation mark” hairs because they narrow towards the scalp. They are best assessed by someone experienced in hair-loss conditions, as broken hairs can occur for other reasons.
Alopecia is the general term for hair loss, so not every patch is Alopecia Areata. Fungal infection, traction, hair pulling, inflammatory scalp disease and scarring alopecias can sometimes appear similar. Alopecia Areata itself is non-scarring, but its course varies. Hair may return within months, recur later or appear in further areas.
Who can be affected?
Anyone can develop Alopecia Areata. It affects men, women and children and may begin at almost any age. Alopecia Areata can affect people of any age and has an estimated lifetime prevalence of around 2%. Many people with this are otherwise well; others may have a personal or family history of autoimmune conditions, thyroid disease, eczema or similar immune-related concerns. An association does not necessarily mean that one condition directly caused the hair loss, but it forms part of the wider history considered during assessment.
Children and teenagers may need especially gentle support, with more age-specific guidance available on the dedicated children’s Alopecia Areata page.
Common signs and types
The most recognisable sign is one or more smooth patches of hair loss. A patch may be circular, oval or irregular and may not be completely free of hair.
Patchy Alopecia Areata may involve one area or several separate patches. An ophiasis pattern affects the sides and back of the scalp in a band-like shape. Alopecia Barbae affects the beard. Alopecia Totalis describes loss of all scalp hair, while Alopecia Universalis affects scalp and body hair.
Prompt assessment is important if patches are spreading quickly, if there is pain, scale or redness, or if a child is affected. Conditions such as tinea capitis, traction or trichotillomania can appear similar. It is also important not to confuse Alopecia Areata with scarring conditions such as Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, where inflammation can permanently damage follicles.
What can trigger Alopecia Areata?
Possible preceding events or associated factors that may include:
- Intense emotional or physical stress
- Viral or bacterial illness, surgery or a high fever
- Postpartum or other major physical changes
- A personal or family history of autoimmune disease
- Thyroid disease or another health concern requiring medical review
Stress should not be used to blame the patient or explain every case. During consultation, I work through the timeline without forcing a single explanation.
How Shuna Hammocks (MIT, MRSM) diagnoses
Your consultation at my Forest Row clinic is calm, thorough and confidential. We discuss when the hair loss began, how it has changed, any previous episodes and how it is affecting you physically and emotionally.
I take a detailed medical and hair-loss history, examine the scalp closely using magnification or dermoscopy, look for signs of activity or regrowth and consider other conditions that may resemble Alopecia Areata. Where appropriate, I will liaise with your GP or dermatologist.
Please bring any relevant photographs, medication or supplement details and recent test results.
A visitor once contacted me about a longstanding bald patch after trying hair, skin and nail supplements without improvement. I explained that I would need to examine the scalp before reaching a conclusion. A patch may be consistent with Alopecia Areata, but other inflammatory or pattern-related conditions can sometimes look similar. This is why careful examination is so important.
Clinical Note: Before-and-after photographs showing successful regrowth of alopecia areata patches. Results may vary.
Care and ongoing support
Alopecia Areata can be unpredictable, so ongoing support can be valuable. Following assessment, I may provide practical hair and scalp-care advice, nutritional guidance where relevant and follow-up support as the condition changes.
In an earlier sufferer’s story, a woman described how a patch of hair loss affected her confidence, relationships and working life, particularly when she felt her concerns had been dismissed. Her experience highlighted how isolating hair loss can feel and why clear explanation and emotional support matter.
Follow-up can take place in the clinic or, where appropriate, by phone, email or online consultation, giving you an opportunity to discuss changes and ask questions.
Emotional Wellbeing
Whether Alopecia Areata involves one patch or more extensive hair loss, its impact can extend far beyond the scalp. It may affect confidence at work, school and socially, with some people becoming anxious about photographs, swimming, wind or others noticing their hair loss.
A fellow member of the Institute of Trichologists, Trisha Buller MIT, spoke on ITV’s This Morning about her own experience of losing all her hair, demonstrating how deeply Alopecia Areata can affect everyday life.
Doreen experienced thinning and two patches at the age of 78 and described becoming withdrawn and embarrassed by the change. She later reported regrowth and improved confidence after receiving an explanation and support. Her experience is individual and cannot predict another person’s outcome, but it illustrates how important it can be to feel heard and understood.
Children and teenagers may need additional support around school, friendships, sport and styling. Parents can find further guidance on the dedicated Children’s Alopecia Areata page.
Book an Appointment in Sussex
If you have noticed a sudden patch, recurring patchy hair loss or changes affecting the eyebrows, eyelashes or beard, making an individual assessment can help you understand the pattern and the most appropriate next step.
Shuna Hammocks Trichology is based at Willow Treatments Suite, Lower Road, Forest Row, RH18 5HE. I welcome patients from East and West Sussex, including East Grinstead, Crawley, Haywards Heath, Uckfield, Crowborough, Lewes, Brighton and Horsham, as well as Kent and Surrey. Also, if you live far from these areas, you can easily book a virtual consultation.
Address: Willow Treatments Suite, Lower Road, Forest Row, RH18 5HE (Find us on Google)
Phone: 07860 387332
Email: shuna@sussextrichology.co.uk
Whether the patch is new or longstanding, you will be met with discretion and empathy. We will review your history, examine the scalp and discuss a personalised plan, including medical input where appropriate.
FAQs on Androgen Alopecia
Is Alopecia Areata contagious?
No. Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition and cannot be passed through contact, shared belongings or salon equipment.
Can hair grow back after Alopecia Areata?
Yes, regrowth is possible because the follicles are not permanently scarred. The timing and extent vary, and further episodes can occur.
Can stress trigger Alopecia Areata?
Some people notice a stressful or physically difficult period before the loss, but many have no clear trigger. Stress should not be assumed to cause every case.
Why have my bald patches appeared suddenly?
Alopecia Areata can interrupt hair growth quickly, so patches may become noticeable over days or weeks. Other conditions can also cause patchy loss.
How can a trichologist assess Alopecia Areata?
A trichologist can take a detailed history, examine the hair and scalp with magnification, look for activity or regrowth and consider similar-looking conditions.
